Citroen Australia has announced that its flagship C5 models are to be discontinued, with the current C5 set to be the last to offer Citroen’s hydro-pneumatic suspension in Australia.

Just 62 examples of the C5 will be offered in Australia as the final edition - one for each year of hydro-pneumatic suspension’s existence, and the C5’s replacement will not feature the suspension system.

A trademark of the Citroen brand since its introduction in the Traction Avant of 1954, hydro-pneumatic suspension allowed for constant self-levelling and a ‘magic carpet’ ride that none of its rivals at the time could match.

The system used pockets of nitrogen upon which the vehicle was effectively suspended.

But modern adjustable suspension can use computer power instead of hydraulic witchcraft to achieve arguably the same result, and at a much lower price.

Therefore, Citroen’s parent company Groupe PSA has decided the bottom line is more important than tradition as it looks to cut costs, and will phase out the technology.

Citroen estimates that 10,000 customers in Australia have purchased models with hydro-pneumatic suspension over its 62-year life cycle.

Of the 62 final examples, ten will become instant collectables for French car fans, fitted with Citroen's 133kW/400Nm 2.0-litre BlueHDi turbo diesel, set apart by dual exhausts and “BlueHDi” badging. All ten have already been sold.

Sedans make up 25 of the remaining 52 examples, while ‘touring’ wagons account for 37. All will be powered by a 120kW/340Nm 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine, and at least 11 are already spoken for.

To ensure the model goes out with a bang, Citroen has upgraded the interior with a seven-inch touchscreen including Apple CarPlay, Mirror Link, a digital radio, Bluetooth, USB input and 16GB jukebox.

Customers can choose to add gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint or a premium sound system to further enhance their final edition C5.

“Over the past six decades Citroen’s hydro-pneumatic suspension has become synonymous with comfort and the final C5’s are no different,” Citroen Australia General Manager, Kai Bruesewitz, said

“While it’s sad to see both C5 and the hydro-pneumatic suspension system leave Australian shores, Citroen fans should rest assured that comfort will remain a top priority with a range of new vehicles being developed under the Citroen Advanced Comfort program.”